Barnard Town Meeting: Both Town & School Budgets Pass

By Kim Furlong

This year’s Town Report was dedicated to Dan Field for his commitment and service to the town of Barnard. It is through Dan and his family, by conservation easement, that Barnard will always have the north side of Silver Lake and all its natural beauty preserved for generations to enjoy.

Moderator Paul Doton was re-elected for another session, and Rep. Mark Mitchell spoke briefly.

Voters passed a motion to move article 7 to follow article 2, allowing the selectboard to discuss the role of the lister and the need to hire a licensed, state approved appraiser, before voters considered Article 3, where two lister positions were due to be elected.

Board member Tom Morse gave a detailed explanation that involved the frustration of townspeople as well as elected officials, with the system that is currently being used to assess property value.

Tim Johnson was re-elected to the selectboard. There were no nominations for the two open Lister positions, so Morse let townsfolk know the board would search for someone who qualified for this position and appoint them.

Greyling Van Alstyne stepped down after many years as First Constable and Town Grand Juror. Other officers elected included Diane Rainey, tax collector and delinquent tax collector; Peter Sullivan, auditor; Mike Johnson, first constable; Teo Zagar; second constable; Jean Dulmage, town agent; Joseph Tokarski, trustee of public funds; Joe Tokarski, cemetery commissioner; and Jennifer Firestone, Karen McInnis and Melissa Strayton, library trustees.

Voters approved the list of Barnard tax-exempt properties, amended by Marjorie Van Alystyne to include the East Barnard Community Hall, which in past years had been part of this list. A proposed amendment by Ethan Shaw on behalf of the Barnard Silver Lake Association, (BSLA), for the Dorothy Thompson Memorial Park to be tax-exempt, was voted down. Article 6 was then voted on and accepted.

Article 8 centered on the use of a $10,000 Grant received to further a study of septic possibilities behind the town hall. Approximately $6,000 would be used for that purpose and the remaining $4,000 would be to educate the community on the need for affordable housing and define what that really means. An amended version of the question to make its meaning more clear was accepted, and a paper ballot passed 64-62. This was the closest and most discussed section of the town meeting. There is a lot of emotion around this subject and further development will be closely watched.

Voters took a break to enjoy the traditional lunch of hot dogs, homemade baked beans, and Sepp’s Chicken Soup, with all proceeds benefiting the Progressive Club’s scholarship fund.

When the meeting re-convened, voters approved $120,000 for the Barnard Volunteer Fire Department’s (BVFD’S) new pumper-tanker and related equipment.

Article 10 was amended by Fire Chief Scott Mills, reducing the budget by $18,000 due to payments not required on equipment this coming year. Also, Margaret Edwards requested an amendment adding $5,000 to the current $5,000 allotted for the town library, to pay for much-needed improvements in lighting and the bathroom facility. After some discussion the amendment passed. The line item of $4,000 for mowing the Dorothy Thompson Common was voted against. The town budget of $1,001,311.00 was then approved.

Rock Webster acknowledged the time and dedicated service that Greyling VanAlstyne gave the town of Barnard over the years and a standing ovation was given in appreciation for those years.

School Meeting

Paul Doton was re-elected as moderator and school Director, and Dan Leavitt, gave an overview of the year past and the budget requirements for the ensuing year.

David Green was elected to fill the remaining year of a three-year term as school director, due to Darryl Johnson’s resignation. Kurt Lessard was elected for a three-year term as school director.

Votes approved the budget of $870,323. There was a little discussion about the accuracy of numbers based upon a tax rate that may change if the town appraisal reaches its goal, but it was felt that the numbers were as accurate as they could be.

Two Australian ballots for the Woodstock Union High School budget and the vote to amend the Barnard zoning regulations resulted in approval of both.

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